DANIEL Kiernan, from Ebchester near Consett, reached the men's singles final in the Hastings Direct Tour tournament in Birmingham at the weekend.

It was first stop for the 22-year-old as a full-time competitor on the British circuit since returning from the United States last month.

The leading player in Durham and Cleveland had three wins at the Billesley Indoor Centre before succumbing to the favourite Mark Hilton of Cheshire. The final score of 6-3 6-2 was very satisfying for Kiernan who, because of university studies and recent injury, has not had the high level of competition that Davis Cup prospect Hilton has reached.

But this first week of play has boosted the confidence of the Derwentsider in his quest to acquire regular competition and ranking points.

It was last summer that he got a foothold on the world ranking list and although he is positioned 20 only, along with seven other hopefuls on the British order of merit from a world listing of 1331, he is very determined to make more progress.

As the fourth seed, he defeated Lancashire's Simon Roberts for the loss of two games in the second round. Ken Skupski, also Lancashire, and a fellow student at the Louisiana University, was then beaten in a tougher contest by 6-4, 7-6. Nicky CrawIey, seeded seven from Norfolk, provided stiffer opposition in the semfinals - just what Kiernan required - and was beaten in three sets.

The final was well fought but the D and C man did not have any cutting edge to damage the British number seven, ranked 394 in the world. Daniel said: "I have had a week and gained confidence. But Mark was superior and at the sort of standard I need soon to reach, I have not reached my best yet, and am playing the next Hastings Tour event before trying to make the Futures Tour."

Kiernan graduated in marketing and business from Louisiana State University at Boca Raton, and although a top performer in college tennis, was unable to contest many events in Britain or Europe.

He played number one for his university for two years and helped the side to third place in the prestigious inter-college competition in 2001.

Kiernan is now an independent touring professional now, although not able to afford a coach, trainer, or agent. He is determined to make his way, and after competing in a few British tournaments hopes to travel further afield in search of experience - and hopefully points and income.

Developed by coach Brian Thompson in Consett, and then by John Willis in Sunderland, he represented his club, Shotley and Benfieldside, at all levels, and played for Durham and Cleveland whenever he could.

Kiernan has the skill and will to succeed but has not had the financial support he requires.

Determination will see that he does not fall by the wayside - but a sponsor would be a welcome ally for the battles ahead.